Van Ruiten Cabernet
Lodi Cabernet from a Dutch immigrant's 800 acre estate.
The story behind Van Ruiten
John Van Ruiten Sr. arrived from the Netherlands after World War II and bought his first Lodi vineyard in the early 1950s. For nearly fifty years the family grew grapes and sold them to other wineries, then built its own estate facility just before the 2000 harvest. Two generations now farm over 800 acres in the Lodi appellation, between the Sierra Foothills and the San Francisco Bay Delta.
They run the vineyards sustainably, owl nesting boxes included, and pick the family label fruit by hand. The Cabernet Sauvignon is the point: roughly 95% Cabernet, softened with Petite Sirah and Merlot, aged with oak that shows as vanilla and baking spice. Wine Enthusiast gave the 2012 vintage 91 points.
Explore the Van Ruiten range
Four Van Ruiten bottlings sit on our shelf, all Lodi estate fruit. The Cabernet is the structured one; the others cover lighter and richer moods.
| Expression | Type | Proof / ABV | Tasting notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Van Ruiten Cabernet Sauvignon 750mL | Red, Cabernet blend | 13.5% to 14.5% ABV | Dark cherry, cassis, plum, vanilla, baking spice |
| Van Ruiten Pinot Noir 750mL | Red, Pinot Noir | Not stated | Lighter red, soft fruit, easy table wine |
| Van Ruiten Zinfandel 750mL | Red, Zinfandel | Not stated | Ripe jammy fruit, warm spice, bold finish |
| Van Ruiten Chardonnay 750mL | White, Chardonnay | Not stated | Orchard fruit, rounded texture, everyday pour |
Which Van Ruiten is right for you?
Van Ruiten sits in the value to premium tier, and our shelf reflects that. The Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Zinfandel all come in at $11.98 a bottle, which is the kind of pricing that lets you keep a case on hand without thinking twice. The Cabernet Sauvignon is $17.99, and it earns the step up: hand picked estate fruit, oak aging, and a 91 point score from Wine Enthusiast on the 2012 vintage. Buy Van Ruiten online and we will have it ready.
Enough tannin and dark fruit to stand up to a grilled ribeye on a Tuesday.
Under twelve dollars, so a full case for the house does not sting.
Ripe and warm, built for barbecue sauce and charred sausage.